Orion Nebula. The Orion Nebula (M42; NGC 1976) is a huge glowing cloud of dust and gas,most of which is hydrogen,about 15 light years across and 1600 light years away. It is just visible to the naked eye as a luminous pink patch in the centre of Orion's sword. The gas is illuminated by ultraviolet radiation produced by a cluster of extremely hot,young stars in the centre of the nebula (not visible). The radiation ionizes hydrogen atoms,causing them to emit light of a distinctive colour. The Orion Nebula contains many sources of infrared radiation,which are thought to be sites of stellar formation | |
Licence : | Droits gérés |
Crédit: | Science Photo Library / Alean, Dr. Juerg |
Taille de l’image : | 5162 px × 3543 px |
Model Release : | Non requis |
Property Release : | Non requis |
Restrictions : | - |